4 Ways To Make It A Great First Date

That all-important first date: where do you go? What do you talk about? Should you let him kiss you? How do you keep a date from turning into an interview? The key is creating a “shared experience” that establishes a lasting, romantic connection from the get-go. Here’s how to do it.

No matter how well you get along with someone online, everyone knows that nothing really happens until you get in front of each other. That’s when you’ll find out if there is enough chemistry to lead to romance. And that can put a lot of pressure on both people.

But your first meeting with someone on eHarmony will already be off to a great start if you remember just one thing: this isn’t even a date. That’s right: the first time you take things offline and into the real world, you’re simply sharing an experience. This alone should take the pressure off right away. Here’s how to make that happen.

CHOOSING THE PLACE

Now that you’re in the mindset that this first meeting is an experience, not an interview, where do you go? If you’re still in Open Communication, use it to express what a fun date is for you, and ask him what it means to him. Get this out of the way early on so you both have a picture of what would be an enjoyable time out for both of you.

What you don’t want to do is the default dinner or coffee date, because when you sit opposite each other then you’re back to the interview. Instead, pick a place that will let you walk and talk at the same time, and that will provide readily available talking points. It’s the connection that’s important, not what you do.

Do something cheap: the park, zoo, a promenade, the museum. All of these will give you ample things to look at and chat about, all while creating a fun, shared experience that will be memorable for both of you…and open the door for a heart connection.

EXPRESSING YOUR FEELINGS

If you’re worried you might not say the right things to him, don’t. Connecting with a man is not about cerebral conversation and impressing him with your wit. It’s about letting him see your feeling, feminine self in all its glory. When he experiences you experiencing your feelings, it intrigues him. He sees that you are comfortable being yourself, and he therefore lets down his guard and feels it’s okay to be himself, too.

When you only convey thoughts rather than feelings, you can end up creating a non-romantic situation. You might connect with him on an intellectual level, but you won’t connect with his heart.

This doesn’t mean you need to hide how smart you are. On the contrary, it means you share more of what you love about your life. In order to have a sensory experience about something, you have to know about it. So if you’re a biochemist, express how passionate you are about making a difference in people’s lives – whatever it is about your career that keeps you motivated. When you stick to feelings, you keep the meeting from turning into an interview.

STAYING IN THE MOMENT

One of the things that makes first meetings so nerve-wracking is how much stock we place in them. So don’t! Even though it might be hard not to think about the future and whether this first might be the one to end all first meetings, stay grounded in the present moment.

It might be tempting to discuss things like marriage and children, especially when you’ve had good rapport with someone online. But let him lead any future talk. Take the pressure off yourself by letting him initiate any such discussions. Doing so gives you the advantage of truly seeing where his mind is at and what he thinks of you.

He’ll find it refreshing that you’re not pummeling him with questions (there’s that interview again), and instead he’ll feel that he can just relax and get to know you. That’s when he’ll feel safe enough to open his heart.

SAYING GOODBYE…OR SEE YOU LATER

If you want to see him again, don’t end the evening with a handshake or a hug. If you like him, let him kiss you. Just let it happen. Make that your rule instead of the no-kiss rule, because you want to establish a romantic feel to your interactions with him from the outset.

But what if you’re not really feeling it for him? I say always give a guy at least two dates (especially since the first one isn’t really a date!) If you decide he really isn’t for you, keep it simple and gracious. Say, “Thank you for a nice time. I enjoyed meeting you, but I feel we’re not a match.” Every man who comes into your life has something to teach you, and every one gets you a step closer to your Mr. Right.

To learn specific words and body language that will help you connect with a man’s heart and build a romantic foundation with him from the very beginning, subscribe to Rori’s relationship advice free e-newsletter. You’ll discover a whole new approach to dating that quickly attracts the right man to you and will inspire his love and devotion.